Hobart Thousand Preview

Dec 15 2015

Less than four weeks ago, the supremely talented Dyna Double One was often described as a ‘Group 1 Bridesmaid’, living perennially in the shadows of his more illustrious kennelmate, Fernando Bale.

But that all changed on November 20 when he stalked Fernando Bale into the home straight at Sandown Park, overpowering him in the closing stages, to break through for his maiden victory at the elite level in the G1 TAB Melbourne Cup.

As if to announce to all and sundry that he had finally arrived as a genuine superstar, two weeks later, Dyna Double One headed north to Albion Park and made it back-to-back Group 1 wins when scoring an emphatic win in the Sky Racing Brisbane Cup before clocking up more frequent flyer points when he journeyed across the Bass Straight last week to win a heat of the G1 Hobart Thousand, and cement a spot in the final this Thursday night.

It wasn’t the fact that he won a Group 1 event that surprised greyhound followers – it was more that it had taken him so long to do so, given his obvious ability.

Recording blistering times at The Meadows in the early part of his now 44 start career, Dyna Double One was his own worst enemy in feature events as he would continually mistime the start, whereas Fernando Bale was simply flawless at the jump en-route to setting up a winning break, while Double One was back in the pack searching for clear running.

Whether it’s canine, horse or human, confidence can be a major factor in their performance and the way that this son of Barcia Bale has been racing in recent weeks, suggests that even he, now believes he is one of the best and is ready to account for any opposition.

The Group 1 Hobart Thousand is set to jump at 9:39pm (AEDT). Check out the full TAB.com.au market here.

His task in this week’s $75,000 to the winner final has not been made easy after he was assigned the black rug of box 7, but at his first official race start on a roomy, one turn track, he recorded the second fastest heat time of 25.94, and following his improved box manners in recent starts, Dyna Double One ($2 with TAB Fixed Odds) could provide his trainer Andrea Dailly with Group 1 win number 12 for the year.

Unlawful Entry ($4.40) is one of the most improved greyhounds racing at the moment and since his victory in the G2 Great Chase, he has won the Listed Sprint at Sandown Park on Cup night; finished an unlucky second behind Shared Equity in the G2 Ballarat Cup final; and then won his heat last week in 25.95, despite missing the start and having to force his way through the field from box 2.

He will again have to contend with an unfavourable draw of the check rug, but the Brett Bravo prepared chaser is racing in the best form of his career and a win by him would be no major surprise.

Leading Victorian trainer, Rob Britton, also has a strong hand in the final and will start the fastest heat winner in Bearville Azza ($5) and the defending champion and track record holder, Above All ($5.50) from boxes 3 and 6 respectively.

“Bearville Azza loves the Hobart track where he has won five races and he is a genuine chance, however, I was a little concerned with the way Above All finished his race off,” said Britton just prior to boarding a plane to Tasmania where he will put the finishing touches on their campaigns.

“The week before, Above All trialled 25.85 at the track and I was expecting him to go faster last week so I just hope everything is ok and he was a little off on the night.” said Britton.

I’ve been a Dyna Double One fan for a long while and I think he can finish off 2015 in a blaze of glory and win his third Group 1 title of the year, with the obvious dangers being fellow Victorians, Unlawful Entry, Bearville Azza and Above All.

I’ll be live, trackside on Sky Racing 1 (Ch519) this Thursday night with all the action from Australia’s oldest Classic greyhound event (the Hobart Thousand was first run in 1935) bringing you all the latest information and Late Mail tips.